New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1887-02-16

1858 fur the benefit OF the surviving widows OF
Revolutionary soldiers who were married aIIer
Jan. I. 1900. 1t was estimated that they NUM-
bered 800 at the time of the passage OF the act
but the number of pensions allowed was 3,I4l
and the amount paid for such pensions durln
the first year of the operation OF the act was
mated. have made no search for other Illus.
trations. and the above being at hand
mates cannot be relied upon in such cases
II none should re pens1oned under This bill, ex-.
cept those utterly unable to work, am sals5
20 would be many times multiplied, and with q
constant increase from year to year: and y
those partially unable to earn their support
should be admitted 10 the privileges of this bill.
the probable increase of expenses would bs al :
most appalling. I think it may be said thai at
the close OF The Rebellion every Northern state.
aud great majority of Northern counties and
cities. were burdened with t RATION owing 20 the
large bounties paid our soldiers: and the bonded
item in the account of the tax-gatherer aaalnsG
the people. Federal taxation, no less borne by
the people than that levied directly upon their
property, is still maintained at the rate made
necessary by exigeucies of war. II this bill
should become law, with it's tremendous
ADDITION TO OUR PREVIOUS OBLIGATION,
am thoroughly convinced that further efforts :
to reduce the federal revenue and ras:ora some
part of it to people would and perhaps
should be seriously questioned. 1t has con
stantly been a cause of pride and conaT,at uia-
ton to the American citizen that his country IS
not put to the charge of maintaining a large
living under war tax which has been To Grated !.
IN peaceful times to meet the obligations IN 5
Cured in war. But for years past. in all parts
OF the country, the demand for the redncaipn OF
the burdens of taxation upon our labor aud pro-
duction has increased in voinms aud urgency. I
am not willing to approve measure Eresenting
the objections to which this bill is snbjsc and
which, moreover, wiil have the effect CT disap-
pointing the expectation of the people
lief from war taxation in tine of
place. In my last annual message the following
language was used: Every patriotic hearS re-
spends to tender con sheraton for those who.
having served their country long and well. are
reduced to restitution and dependence. net as
incident of their services but with advancing
age or through sickness or misfortune. Weare all
tempted by the contemplation of such d condi-
ton to supply relief. and are often i'm
Yielding to no one in the desire to indulge his
feeling Of consideration. cannot rid myself of
relieved they and their cause are entitled to the :.
benefit OF an enactment under which relief may
be claimed as right, and that such relief should
be granted under the sanction of law, not in eva
sion of it, should such worthy bjects
of care, all equally entitled. be RENTED to the
unequal operation of sympathy or the tender
mercles OF social and political influence, with
their unjust determinations" do think
that the objects, the conditions and the linita-
under consideration. lsdhere to the sentiments
thus heretofore expressed. but the evil threat
ened by this bill is in my opinion such that,
charged with a great responsibility in behalf OF
the people, can not do otherwise than to bring
to the consideration of this measure my best
efforts of thought and Judgment and perform
my constitutional duty in relation thereto re-
gardless OF all consequences except suc as APP
pear TO me to be related to the besj aud highest
interests of the country.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
Executive Mansion, Washington Feb. IL, 1887.
The reading of the message was followed
with stricter attention than is generally ac-
corded to such documents At it's conclusion
Mr.. Matson moved that the bill and accom-
panying message be referred to the commit
tee on inv;-id pensions, promising that they
would be reported hack within the coming
week. The motion was agreed to-137 to
o.